บททั้งหมดของ POWERLESS: บทที่ 41 - บทที่ 50

It made more sense in my head, at least. “What? Where do you… where do you even get such claims from?” Joseph pressed, eyes narrowing as I stared at him. “You needed him to look for me. You knew he’d find me after you lost Beatrice. After she ran away from you.” “She didn’t run away.” “She left you. Because of your—” “My what?” he snapped. “You know nothing. You absolutely know nothing.” “Hey!” A voice called from behind. I turned to the door. Seriously. They don’t knock in this company? Of course—it was Celeste. She walked in with that stupid suit then settled into a seat at the back. “I’m so sorry if I interrupted you, Daddy… Sister. But the meeting is still ongoing, and we can’t proceed without your presence. If you’ll excuse us, Sister. Daddy, please.” Joseph’s eyes shifted to her, then back to me looking almost apologetic. “Oh, it’s fine,” I muttered. “Actually, it’s fine. I’ll be going now.” “Wait—” “No, really. It’s fine.” I stood, casting one last

I blinked, snapping back to reality as I stared at the same receptionist who had once led me into this very building when I came to sign the contract. Now she was leaning slightly over the front desk, her expression politely blank, her voice lined with confusion. “What?” I asked again, this time more sharply. I’d called his line earlier, sure. But I’d assumed he was just busy. Not… unavailable. “Did he say why?” I asked, forcing my voice to stay even. She squinted at the open file on her desk, her bright blue eyes narrowed slightly beneath long lashes. Dressed in a fitted black skirt and matching jacket, her high ponytail was perfectly slicked back—not a single hair out of place. She looked really pretty and professional. “No, ma’am,” she said, looking up again. “He didn’t inform us. We tried contacting him too, but his line isn’t going through.” I folded my arms and tried to act unbothered. “Right. I see…” There was a pause. Then she said, “You’d probably know what’s going

“You fucking bastard,” Drew spits, swaying slightly on unsteady legs. Blood trails from his nose, trickling past his lip as he sucks in a breath. “You think I wouldn’t find out that Beatrice left you for good?” I stand frozen, a wall of shock pressing down on me. Not one fiber in my body moves to help him. He can bleed out for all I care. But Alex… I’m scared for him. Scared of what this means—for his inheritance, his reputation. “You don’t know what you’re talking about,” Alex growls. His jaw tightens, fists clenched so hard his knuckles go pale. I step forward, instinctively closing the distance between us. My palms lift to his face. He stills a little at my touch. “Don’t listen to him, darling,” I murmur. He catches on fast, slipping into the performance like a second skin. “He’s just bitter because I wouldn’t entertain him like I used to… back when things between us were a little messy.” Drew laughs, low and bitter. It cracks as he wipes his nose with the back of his hand. “Yo

“You’re being ridiculous. I would have… I would…” I cut him off, anger brimming in me. Forgetting the slight pain that shoots through me as I scramble to my feet, covering myself with my clothes. He was already in his pants, and the look on his face… “You would have what, Alex?” I bite, voice sharp. “It’s not like you ever thought I was worth your while. Is it so shocking that I was a virgin?” He winces at my statement, shoving his hands into his hair, and looks away from me, eyes locked on the fireplace. “I’ll make it up to you,” he says suddenly, turning to look at me again. He winces, like the sight in front of him is something he’s ruined beyond repair. “I’ll give you anything you want…” “I… I don’t want anything from you,” I murmur, voice small. The hurt sits heavy in my chest—the fact that I actually enjoyed it, and now he’s making it seem like he did something terrible. “You can’t possibly not want anything after I’ve just… just ruined you…” He winces again at t

“Mum? I’m heading out…. Just though to let you know..”. I trailed off on the bottom of the staircase. No answer. With a sigh, I step out onto the front porch, tucking my hair behind my ear as I glance up at the sky. The clouds are heavy—looks like it’s going to pour soon. The debate in my head won’t stop. Should I meet with Alex or not? Candice would be pissed if she knew, but she doesn’t know him like I do. What really gets under my skin is that Joseph hasn’t bothered to call. Not once. I shake the thought away and start walking down the street, deciding to explore the length of my new neighborhood. I’ll stop at the gas station near the end and hitch a ride from there. I don’t want Alex picking me up here. Not sure why—maybe it’s the weird feeling that Mum might be watching from the window— “Isla!” A deep voice calls out behind me—one I recognize instantly. I spin around and see Drew behind the wheel of a sleek black BMW. He’s turning into my neighborhood, but he doe